If you're new to riding horses or you haven't been on a horse in a long time, use these tips to make sure you ride safely.

First of all, make sure you know if your horse is used to having a rider. Then it will be a simple matter of letting your horse learn that you're a friend and not an enemy. It can take time, but your reward will be in the form of a lifelong companion that you can take trail rides and leisurely days out with.

Test your horse out with a saddle. Put it on him without cinching it and see how well he tolerates it. Then lightly cinch the saddle and praise your horse for wearing it, offer treats if that is part of your training. Then lead him around and make sure the saddle doesn't bother him. If he bucks or jerks at the reigns, make sure the saddle isn't chafing or otherwise hurting him. Pain is the number one reason a horse will act up about a saddle. An alternative is also found in a tree saddle. It's the closest thing to riding bareback and lets the rider be truly close to their horse.

Work with your horse as often as you can early in his rider training. Every day if possible or at least 3 days a week and soon you will have a horse that is ready and willing to go for a ride whenever you like!

Bits come in a huge selection of sizes and types. When you're training or retraining a horse to take a bit, it is always best to start out with the lightest bit and see how well your horse responds to it. If he follows your cues with it, then this bit is strong enough for now. If your horse doesn't seem to want to follow commands, then you may want to try a stronger bit.

The bits called "Snaffle" bits are just about the lightest bits available on the common market today. They are widely used among trainers that realize it is better to use positive techniques to train a horse rather than using items and implements that may cause injury to a horse. Snaffle bits work by using the least amount of pressure and the most common among them is the D-ring bit. Most horses find these the most comfortable to wear as they are located further outside the mouth than most bits horses wear.

Another plus with a snaffle bit is that the snaffle bit's rings are free sliding, which keeps the horse from grabbing the bit. If he tries, it just rotates away from him and eliminates the horse attempting to chew and spit the bit.

If you have a horse that absolutely fights you every time you put a bit in his mouth you can try the old trainer trick of rubbing the bit with molasses. When the horse is licking it off, you can insert the bit into his mouth. He will come to see the bit as a tasty treat. Another funny fact is many horses prefer the taste of an iron bit, especially if it has a bit of rust, many horses loves the taste. Having a bit that they enjoy tasting also makes the horse's mouth water a bit and keeps it lubricated and therefore very comfortable in the horses's mouth.

Use these tips and make putting the bit in your horse's mouth a little easier on both of you!